Journey News

Since taking on the role of Lead Pastor over three years ago, I have had the joy of leading this church through some times of significant change. We’ve had changes to our ministry offerings, staffing, and how we communicate in our messages. Change isn’t easy, but I believe the changes we’ve experienced have helped us continue our mission and continue to be the kind of church that welcomes everyone and helps people find and follow Jesus. Those are the most important things... and may they never change!

I am writing today to announce some changes happening in our Worship Arts leadership. For the last year, the Executive Team and I, along with Worship Arts staff, have been working to define new systems and structure to support our mission, continued growth, and improvement here at Journey of Faith. As most of you are aware, we have already seen some transitions from our team and today we are announcing that Mark Portis will be transitioning off staff at the end of February. All of you know and have been impacted by Mark’s leadership over the years. Please take a moment to read Mark’s words:

I’m humbled and grateful to have had the opportunity of serving on staff as Pastor of Worship Arts for the past 14 years. My heart is filled with great memories and while I’ll miss seeing all of you on a weekly basis, I know that many relationships will continue into the future. Linda and I have complete trust that God has something in store for this next season and are excited to begin the process of discerning and discovering what that will look like. Thank you, Journey family, for your investment into our lives and for consistently demonstrating your love for God and one another. It has been a joyful privilege to worship alongside you, giving thanks and praise to our gracious God for what He’s done, is doing, and will continue to do in the future.To Him be all the glory.

While Mark’s season here at Journey is coming to a close, we are so excited for what God has both for him and for Journey as we continue to form and shape our teams. Please continue to lift up Mark and Linda in your prayers.

Many of you read about Blair Farley taking lead on a new role that includes a new combined area of Communications, Tech, and Worship Arts. Our last year has helped us see how closely these areas work and Blair will be working closely with me and the rest of the team to ensure that our next season of worship will build on the great foundation Mark has built over his many years of service. We are in the process of identifying candidates for the new role of Worship Director which will be different than what we have had. We will keep you up-to-date as we move through the hiring process. If you have any questions about the process or the future of our Worship Arts ministry, please reach out to Blair at any time. He would be happy to talk to you.